Autumn-a-Saurus

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Adoption Awareness Month

Here is my other "national awareness" post:

This picture is one that someone sent me in an e-mail. It's probably got some kind of copyright somewhere but I couldn't find it so I'm using it here. It is of Joseph and baby Jesus. Jesus was adopted by Joseph and raised as his own son. We are a part of God's adopted family: Eph 1:3-6; Gal 3:26-4:7; Rom 8:15-17, 8:23, 9:4

Adoption Month History: The first major effort to promote awareness of the need for adoptive families for children in the foster care system occurred in Massachusetts. In 1976, then-Governor Mike Dukakis proclaimed Adoption Week and the idea grew in popularity and spread throughout the nation. President Gerald Ford made the first National Adoption Week proclamation, and in 1990, the week was expanded to a month due to the number of states participating and the number of events. During the month, states, communities, public and private organizations, businesses, families, and individuals celebrate adoption as a positive way to build families. Across the nation, activities and observances such as recognition dinners, public awareness and recruitment campaigns, and special events spotlight the needs of children who need permanent families. It also includes National Adoption Day, traditionally a Saturday, which is observed in courthouses across the nation as hundreds of adoptions are finalized simultaneously. Each year, November is recognized as National Adoption Awareness Month. While all adoption-related issues are important, the particular focus of this month is the adoption of children currently in foster care.